[A/N: I decided to change the MC's name to Alex Maxwell as it would be easier and smoother to write, so here you have it. Alex the MC!!]
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< The Abandoned Manor, The Midridge Forest >
A week had elapsed since Alex started on his first System Quest, and today marked his final opportunity to complete it. Standing amidst the makeshift camp that had transformed the hall, he closed his eyes, his breath steady and focused. Inhaling deeply, he felt the air grow warmer with each passing moment as his palms radiated an orange-red glow. Moments later he abruptly, his eyes snapped open, a pained grimace crossing his face as he clutched his arm. A fleeting flame flickered to life on his palm before dissipating into the ether. With a weary yet triumphant smile, he collapsed onto the floor, panting heavily.
His breath calmed as he rested on the floor, his eyes eagerly reading the multitude of screens that materialized before him.
[Quest: Basic Mana Control - Completed]
[Congratulations! A bronze gift box has been transferred into your inventory]
[Congratulations! The host has learned the skill 'Fire Manipulation (Beginner)']
[Achievement: 'Look! Even an otherworlder can learn magic!' has been unlocked]
"Skills, I can understand, but... achievements? What's that?", he thought as he reached into his pocket for something before stopping awkwardly with wide eyes. "FUCK!! I miss my goddamn phone!" he screamed as he held his head in frustration, tears streaming down the side of his face, Ignoring his dilemma, the monotonous female voice of Ms. Sys – the name Alex has given the System, answered his question instead:
[Achievements are given to the host when something commendable is done. These achievements can help the host to improve by giving permanent buffs]
As he listened to the explanation, he gradually calmed down his rage and wiped away his tears. "Permanent buffs? Hmm...sounds quite useful," he remarked, his sadness evaporating as he eagerly opened the achievement notification.
[Achievements:
> 'Look! Even an otherworlder can learn magic!'
Buff: All Mana-related spells are easier to learn.]
"So, this is a buff." he muttered as he flicked his hands open, a small flame appearing on his palms, "It does feel easier than before."
Dissipating the flame, he closes the Achievement screen and opens his inventory.
[Inventory]
> High-Grade Healing Potion - 2x
> Cooked Evil Rabbit Meat – 3x
> Bronze Gift Box
> Gold Coins - 1000G
A grin formed on his lips as he looked at the reward from the quest – a bronze-colored gift box emitting a soft, inviting glow. Without hesitation, he opened it, revealing the contents to him.
[Bronze Gift Box]
> Ugly Ogre Mask (Rarity: F)
> Red Riding Hood Cloak (Rarity: F)
> Bronze Coins - 5000B
[Rewards have been transferred to inventory]
Reading the short contents of the screen, his grin dropped to a frown. "Hey! Ms. Sys, is this it!? I grinded my ass off for this?!" he shouted angrily, an incredulous expression on his face. Ms. Sys seemingly unfazed by his childish outburst replied:
[Yes, Bronze rank gift boxes will only give the host 2 items of either F grade or E grade and a couple of bronze coins – the lowest currency of this world. A higher-ranking gift box would give the host rewards of a different grade]
A vein throbbed on his forehead as he impatiently listened to Ms. Sys's explanation. "Argh, fuck it! I'll just do another quest," he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in frustration. Taking his cry of frustration seriously Ms. Sys responded:
[Great idea host, a new quest has already been updated into the system]
[Quests]
New World Exploration (Part 1)
> The Secret of the Manor
- Hastily abandoned by its previous owner, the Manor remains undisturbed, as such numerous secrets are yet to be discovered. Search the Manor for clues to where this long-forgotten secret might reside!
{Rewards: Bronze Gift Box}
{Penalty: None (It's your loss if you can't find it and that is a penalty itself)}
{Time Limit: None}
The sudden Quest quelled Alex's anger as he briefly read the descriptions. "Wait, so you're telling me the place I've been living in over the past week has some secret shit hidden around it?"
[Affirmative]
His face ignited with fiery determination upon hearing the system's confirmation. "Well, let's get started then!" he exclaimed, leaping to his feet. However, before he could make his move, a loud grumble erupted from deep within him ~Grumble~. Sheepishly grinning, he placed a hand on his stomach. "I need to eat too."
Opening his inventory, he retrieved the Evil Rabbit Meat with a small shiver, recalling the myriad of little cuts and bruises acquired from hunting a few of these miniature demons. Shaking his head to dispel the memories, he bit into the meat as he commenced his search for clues.
< Fel Castle, Centre of the Falgard Empire >
Located at the heart of the Falgard Empire is Fel Castle, a magnificent fortification boasting towering walls made of gray stone and turrets that pierce the sky. Inside the castle, the brightly lit hallways are an awe-inspiring sight with its adorned walls with tapestries depicting legendary battles and heroic deeds in gold and crimson. The polished marble floor reflects the flickering light of the torches lining the walls, adding to the grandeur of the place.
Deep within the castle walls, there is a grand hall featuring a throne, intricately carved out of the finest wood, and embellished with valuable gems. Seated on the throne is an elderly man, dressed in deep purple robes that bear the emblem of the Falgard Empire. His face is marked with lines of experience and sagacity, his eyes are sharp and penetrating, and his mere presence commands reverence from all those who enter.
Suddenly the large wooden doors opened, and a cloaked figure entered moving with a grace that betrays years of training in the art of stealth, his face is shrouded in a shadow. He kneels before the elderly man with a sense of reverence and humility. With one leg on the ground, he speaks softly, his words carrying a sense of urgency that echoes throughout the hall, "My lord," he begins, his voice barely above a whisper, "I have come to report a matter of utmost importance."
The King leans forward, his eyes fixed on the cloaked figure, and nods his head in silent approval, a gesture that speaks volumes of his trust in the messenger before him.
Nodding, the man continues, "We have reports coming from the Midridge City Council indicating a significant rise in high-ranking monsters appearing on the outskirts of the Midridge Forest. Reports say that these monsters pose a severe threat to the Hunters and civilians in the city."
The king sighs wearily, leaning back on his throne as he massages his temples. After a moment of silence, he speaks – his voice somber and grim, "Do the Midridge City Council members have any insight into the cause of this increase?"
"No, my lord. They are unaware of the reason for this sudden surge."
The king exhales heavily, frustration evident in his expression. "Hah~ Okay, summon Adriana to the throne room immediately."
"Right away, my Lord." The man rises from his seat, bowing respectfully before exiting the hall.
The King's weary gaze lingers on the door as it closes behind the messenger, his mind already grappling with the potential consequences of this new threat.
Shortly thereafter, the door swings open once more, and a graceful figure glides into the hall, her metal boots softly clanking with each step. Her face, mirroring the king's features, exudes maturity and elegance. She kneels before the king. "Father, I have heard you called for me."
The king's stern countenance melts into a gentle smile. "Yes, Adriana, I have a task for you. I need you to gather two of your most trusted knights and venture to the Midridge Forest to investigate the unusual occurrences unfolding there."
Adriana's grin, tempered with seriousness, remains evident. "Yes, Father," she replies, her gaze unwavering with determination. Rising gracefully, she bows respectfully before departing, a flicker of anticipation in her step.
The king's smile fades into a sorrowful expression as he watches his daughter's departure. "Good luck, my daughter, and return safely," he murmurs, his eyes closing with a weary sigh. Turning to gaze out of the intricate glass window, he adds softly, "Our daughter is all grown up, isn't she, my dear?" There's a bittersweet mixture of pride and sadness in his voice as he speaks, but the only response is the soft, melodic humming of the wind.
Meanwhile, deep within the shadows of the Midridge Forest, the anguished cries of a young man shattered the eerie tranquility of the woods. "Where in the fucking heck is that damn clue?! It's like searching for a needle in a haystack, except this needle seems to have sprouted legs and run off with the spoons!" This young man is, of course, Alex, his frustrated exclamations bouncing off the silent walls as he tore through desks and cabinets, desperately seeking the enigmatic clue.
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[A/N: Whew~ this took longer than I thought. Well, anyways can you guys the minuscule changes I made to the story? Thanks for reading and see you guys next week (I hope)]